Today’s route takes us through Normandy to the very border of Brittany, along narrow, rolling roads meandering through verdant countryside. However, what the peloton are looking at is probably the last, fast sprint finish until they charge along the Champs-Élysées in 16 days’ time. You can bet your bottom dollar they have all underlined it in their road book in red.

Friday 10th July: Stage 7 – Livarot to Fougères, flat, 190.5km

Stage 7 profile: Tour de France 2015

We have a single fourth category climb which comes after only 12km, so expect to see the MTN-Qhubeka polka dot jersey in the early break of the day, at least briefly. The intermediate sprint should see some green jersey action, and after that the sprinters’ teams will settle down to reeling in the break. The finish itself has three roundabouts in the last 5km, the last at the flamme rouge. A long sweep to the right and then the final few hundred metres are noticeably uphill, averaging around 4%, so whoever’s at the sharp end will want to wait until the last possible second before giving it full gas.

Can the Lotto boys get Greipel to the finish on time? Will the Etixx train get it together for Cav? Will a lone Sagan finally get the top step of the podium? Or will we be cheering for young Sam Bennett (Bora-Argon)? Buckle up, it’ll be fast.

Link: Official race website

Header image: Castle at Fougères – via Wikipedia